This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What is the process for changing from a DTV to a regular working visa in Thailand?

DTV to Non-B visa Visa transformation Visa sponsor implications Work permit process Expat immigration in Thailand Visa requirements for expats

Jul 14, 2025

12 hours ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Dear group, now after 8 month of soft-power DTV I might need to change my visa to a regular working visa. As I just applied to a bunch of white-collar expat jobs here in BKK and already have interviews scheduled.

I'd assume the process is pretty intense, but would be handled by (company) lawyers anyways.

Just to get a broader picture: has somebody in this group done this Visa transformation? How was it?

Anything one should know?

(PS: It would be also a bit strange and first time for me to be 'totally' in the hands of the visa sponsor company - at least this is how I'd likely feel in the first few months. What do you think?)

396

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the transition from a DTV visa to a regular Non-B work visa in Thailand, prompted by the user's job applications and interviews. Comments provide insights into the process, highlighting the need for employer support in visa applications, potential challenges in converting visa types while in Thailand, and the usual dependence on the sponsoring company's paperwork and procedures. Additionally, participants share experiences related to the implications of being on a company-sponsored visa, including the cancellation of the work permit if the employer relationship ends.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Greg ********

I dunno what you mean about being in the hands of the Visa Sponsor. If you leave the company, your or their decision, the WP will be cancelled and your visa too. You then have 7 or 14 days to leave Thailand. You can do an immediate border bounce no issue. In many countries in the world your visa is tied to your employer -Singapore for example same. It is pretty normal. The job, work permit and visa run together no matter what they are called.

7 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

You'll be indeed in the hands of your visa sponsor (aka employer) and this is part of usual rules here if you wish to work with a Thai registered company. You'll get used to it don't worry.

9 hours ago

Greg ********

I did not go DTV to B but O to B. Your company lawyers should know the process. At the company I worked at HR did all the processing and mine they had never done before. Every other foreigner hired from outside Thailand or transferred. I had to fly to Singapore to get the B bit company should give you all the paperwork required. Good luck and hope it all goes smoothly.

9 hours ago

John **********

You can't cancel the DTV you already have and you can't hold 2 visas simultaneously. You should be able to convert a DTV to another visa type at an immigration office inside Thailand but that would very much depend on your prospective employer being able to satisfy the requirements for a Non-B visa inside Thailand, most want you to leave Thailand to obtain the Non-B as the paperwork is considerably less, but that won't work in your situation

10 hours ago

Reply to

John **********

Should I switch from a DTV visa to a work permit through an Employer of Record in Thailand?

19 comments

a month ago

Can you convert a DTV to a Non-B/Work Permit in Thailand without leaving the country?

5 comments

2 months ago

What is the process for setting up a business in Thailand as an expat and transitioning from a DTV to a Non-O marriage visa?

11 comments

2 months ago